28. Eclipse gum
The Wrigley Company said its Eclipse Gum with magnolia bark extract could kill germs that cause bad breath. The claim was unfounded, and Wrigley agreed to pay $6 million to $7 million to settle a class-action suit and pay back buyers.
27. Activia yogurt
Dannon used actress Jamie Lee Curtis to tout “scientifically proven” claims that Activia helps regulate digestion and boost the immune system. A judge said Dannon “simply hadn’t proven” its claim and ordered the company to pay $45 million to settle a lawsuit.
26. Pure Green Coffee antioxidant capsules
Pitchman Nicholas Scott Congleton claimed that Pure Green Coffee helped weight loss. The company used fake news organizations and logos from actual media outlets to prop up its bogus claims. Even Dr. Oz endorsed this product on his show, although he was later hauled in front of a Senate’s Consumer Protection panel to defend his actions.
25. D-Lite, SunSplash, and Vitality tanning systems
Mercola Brand Tanning Systems claimed its tanning systems did not raise the risk of melanoma, a type skin cancer, but “these claims are false and not supported by science,” the FTC ruled.
24. True cigarettes
True cigarettes implied that users of its products could avoid the health risks associated with smoking. Stanford University research said an internal tobacco industry document showed that the product was named True to ease concerns of those worried about health issues related to smoking.